If you’ve ever slipped into a tropical-themed restaurant for coconut shrimp, a fruity cocktail, and a quick escape from the daily grind, you’re not alone.

For years, it’s been a favorite for laid-back meals and island-inspired vibes without the airfare.

That’s why news of 15 surprise shutdowns across the country hit hard—and raised big questions about what’s happening in the restaurant world.

So, what led to the closures—and could more be on the way?



On May 15, 2024, Darden Restaurants—the parent company of Bahama Breeze, along with Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse—confirmed it had permanently closed 15 Bahama Breeze locations across several states.

These closures came with little to no warning, surprising both employees and guests.

Signs appeared on doors overnight, directing customers to nearby Darden-owned restaurants.


Here are the shuttered locations:

Florida:

• 3989 Plaza Blvd, Gainesville, Florida 32608
• 2088 9th St N, Naples, Florida 34102
• 1786 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114
• 2750 Sawgrass Mills Cir, Sunrise, Florida 33323
• 3339 N Federal Hwy, Oakland Park, Florida 33306

New Jersey:

• 520 Woodbridge Center Dr, Woodbridge, New Jersey 07095
• 1201 Hooper Ave, Toms River, New Jersey 08753
• 101 NJ-23, Wayne, New Jersey 07470
• 1600 Bergen Town Center, Paramus, New Jersey 07652

Other states:

• 406 E Golf Rd, Schaumburg, Illinois 60173
• 413 Middlesex Rd, Tyngsborough, Massachusetts 01879
• 539 E Big Beaver Rd, Troy, Michigan 48083
• 375 Hughes Center Dr, Las Vegas, Nevada 89169
• 612 Smith Haven Mall, Lake Grove, New York 11755
• 2830 N Germantown Pkwy, Memphis, Tennessee 38133

Also read: When dining out takes a wrong turn: The Olive Garden garnish fiasco that’s stirring up outrage

The Naples location had only been open 11 months—an especially painful reminder that even new spots aren’t immune from tough business calls.

A Darden spokesperson, Kiara Buckner, explained:

“Closing a restaurant is a difficult choice because it impacts our team members and guests. However, we believe this is the right decision because it will allow Bahama Breeze to focus on its highest performing restaurants and strengthen the brand’s overall performance.”

While Darden didn’t break down the reasoning for each closure, Darden’s messaging is clear: this is about consolidation, not collapse.

Rather than stretching the brand thin, they’re focusing resources on the strongest-performing restaurants in the portfolio.



The closures are not a death sentence for Bahama Breeze, but they do signal a turning point. Darden appears committed to keeping the brand alive—but leaner, more efficient, and focused on top-tier locations.

If your neighborhood Bahama Breeze is still open, consider this your sign to support it. These closures show that even popular chains aren't guaranteed to stick around.

Fans have already taken to social media to mourn the closures—sharing stories of birthdays, first dates, and memorable meals spent in the restaurant’s breezy embrace.



Also read: Need an easier meal plan? Head to Olive Garden NOW!

It’s part of a larger shift in how and where Americans choose to dine.

Darden hasn’t given up on the brand—in fact, they’ve signaled the opposite. By cutting deadweight now, they may be clearing the way for a more focused, refreshed Bahama Breeze that better fits today’s dining culture.

Expect to see updates to menus, marketing, and ambiance in remaining locations as Darden seeks to reinvigorate its island-themed chain.

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Did you lose a local location you loved? What do you think about this trend of restaurant downsizing? Are you concerned about the future of dining out? Drop a comment below and join the conversation. Whether you're reminiscing about your favorite jerk chicken or raising a glass to new adventures, we’re all in this together.